Busy Philipps diagnosed with rare brain tumour: ‘Grateful that I’m alive’

Actor Busy Philipps has been diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumour and underwent two surgeries to remove the tumour. The 47-year-old actress, known for her roles in Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek, expressed her gratitude for her survival and described herself as "the luckiest girl in the world." Philipps revealed that she discovered the Grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare and slow-growing primary central nervous system tumour, after undergoing a full-body MRI called a Prenuvo scan.

The tumour, measuring 2.6 centimetres, was removed during a five-hour procedure on March 2. Fortunately, early detection allowed for successful removal of the tumour; if left undetected, it could have grown significantly, making removal much more challenging. Philipps' neuro-oncologist emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that if the patient had waited until experiencing seizures, the tumour would have been twice or three times the size.

The actor's recovery has been ongoing, and she recently encountered complications related to the surgery, including a staphylococcus infection that required further surgery. Oligodendroglioma symptoms often include seizures, headaches, problems with thinking and memory, weakness, numbness, and issues with balance and movement. While the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada notes that this type of tumour is more common among men and women in their 20s to 40s, it can also occur in children.